Challenges to research security

With research security becoming an increasingly important component of scientific collaboration and practice, so is also the need to develop clearer frameworks. This requires a multidimensional approach that includes definitions with a shared basis, including, for example, rationales for security, identification of security domains, empirical evidence, views on international cooperation and research as a common good, how to deal with considerations related to national interests, and principles for balancing security with openness. The remainder of this paper discusses these issues framed as three challenges. (1) Lack of conceptualization and evidence-based policymaking: Research security is a relatively new term, which is primarily driven by policy and security practice. However, there is little conceptualization of research security. (2) The effectiveness of research security measures is not clear: The scope and instruments available and their interactions are not well understood. More analyses are needed to grasp whether research security measures are effective in dealing with the portfolio of goals frequently referenced (such as national security and protection of IP rights). (3) Risks of over-securitization: If securitization becomes widespread without adequate scrutiny, it could threaten academic freedom, hinder international collaboration, obstruct scientific progress, competitiveness, i.e. the very ideals it aims to safeguard.